Official Power & Countervailing Power History of Quebec & Canada

THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Power was distributed very unequally: State was absolutist (did not acknowledge any power other than that of the King) Power of King and his representatives was unlimited. Main goal for the colony was to increase the power of France through commerce, war and expansion in New France. Another main goal was to hinder the growth of rival country Great Britain.

THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Chartered Companies Period: 1608-1663 Initial administration was held by the major fur trading companies. The policy of mercantilism caused New France to become a trading colony, who main goal was to supply and export raw materials to France.

THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 In 1663, King Louis XIV establishes Royal Government in New France: French state would administer the colony through the governor (responsible for war/diplomacy) and intendant (responsible for economy/finances) who held extensive powers. Laws could be created without the consultation of anyone in the colony But, if the Governor or Intedant did not satisfy the demands of the King, they would be sent back to France. Governor and Intendant ran the Sovereign Council (high court)

THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 The main means of control was intimidation: Wanted to keep the population scared so that they would not disobey Military presence in the colony was important both to combat enemies on the border and to keep the settlers under control. Criminals were subject to public physical punishment, including execution for more severe crimes.

Relationships: The State and the Natives THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Natives Alliances with the natives were essential to the development of New France: Built gradually through the fur trade and the exchange of goods Natives traded with fur merchants from Montreal and fought for France. Natives were not subjects of the French Crown. Because New France needed these alliances for access to furs and trade routes, they made compromises to keep them loyal to the French.

Relationships: The State and the Natives THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Natives Natives were also important for warfare: They had their own reasons for fighting the British “Mourning Wars”, gain new goods, drive the British from their lands. Native warfare style actually benefitted the French: Surprise attacks and ambushes/fought mainly from the cover of bushes. This helped the French because they were outnumbered by the British.

Relationships: The State and the Natives THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Natives Some of the compromises made to keep the alliance with the natives were: Natives were not subject to French law French allowed them to keep their customs French participated in peace pipe ceremonies, gift exchanges Natives continued to use their language and the French would have interpreters In return, natives agreed to: Fight for France Not to fight one another In 1701, the Great Peace of Montreal was signed by 40 native nations agreeing to these terms. Before the Great Peace, natives had been attacking Montreal. People refused to leave the walls of the city. This demonstrates the necessity of the native/french alliance.

Relationships: The State and the Natives THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Natives Continued contact between the French and the Natives took a toll on native populations: Disease spread rapidly wiping out entire native groups (ie: the Hurons) Many natives died fighting for France

Relationships: The State and the Catholic Church THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Catholic Church The State also had a strong relationship with the Catholic Church: Worked together to promote each others interests Catholicism was the only religion permitted by law Government granted seigneuries to religious orders (Sulpicians got Montreal/ Jesuits got Laval) Tithe (a proportion of harvest granted to parish priest) Shops had to be closed on the Sabbath and religious holidays. Church taught the people to obey the authorities. Missionaries attempted to convert the natives or at least keep the peace between them and the French.

Relationships: The State and the Nobility THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Nobility The role of the nobility was to serve the state and the King: All the governors, intendants, and members of the sovereign council were noblemen. Nobles also held other high ranking positions such as military officers, naval commanders, judges, and engineers. These positions allowed them to exert sufficient power over the colony. Nobles guilty of crimes could have their punishments reduced or cancelled by the state.

Relationships: The State and the Peasants/Artisans THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Relationships: The State and the Peasants/Artisans Peasants and Artisans represented 80% of the population and had no political rights. Whatever the state wanted from them it took People paid regular taxes Had to work on roads and/or for the military for free State did not take their interests into consideration They were still considered a threat due to their large numbers State’s main concern was to prevent rebellions

THE FRENCH REGIME 1608-1760 Problems within the colony: Population was very low, so Intendant Jean Talon (1665-1672) tried to promote settlement: Brought over Les Filles du Roi Gave free land to soldiers from the Carignan-Salières Regiment Encouraged engages to work in New France Disputes between officials were common: Bishop Laval discouraged trade of alcohol with native peoples Governor Frontenac supported it because he felt it was important for the further growth and expansion of the fur trade

MAP THE FRENCH REGIME 1750-1760